Glaucoma – Healthooz

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, usually due to high pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure). The optic nerve is essential for vision, and damage to it can lead to permanent vision loss or even blindness. Glaucoma often develops slowly and without noticeable symptoms, which is why it’s sometimes called the “silent thief of sight.”

What Causes Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is primarily caused by increased pressure in the eye, which can damage the optic nerve. The eye continuously produces a fluid called aqueous humor. When this fluid doesn’t drain properly, pressure builds up.

Common causes and risk factors include:

Increased eye pressure (intraocular pressure)
Family history of glaucoma
Age over 60
Diabetes
Severe eye injury
Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications
Thin corneas
African, Hispanic, or Asian descent

Types of Glaucoma

There are several forms of glaucoma, including:

Primary open-angle glaucoma – The most common type. It develops slowly and painlessly, with gradual loss of peripheral vision.
Angle-closure glaucoma – A sudden increase in eye pressure caused by blocked drainage; it’s a medical emergency.
Normal-tension glaucoma – Optic nerve damage occurs despite normal eye pressure.
Congenital glaucoma – Present at birth due to improper development of the eye’s drainage system.
Secondary glaucoma – Caused by other eye conditions, injury, inflammation, or medications.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

Early glaucoma may not cause noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:

Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision
Tunnel vision in advanced stages
Eye pain (especially in angle-closure glaucoma)
Blurred vision
Halos around lights
Nausea and vomiting (with sudden pressure increase)

How Is Glaucoma Diagnosed?

Routine eye exams are crucial for early detection. Tests may include:

Tonometry – Measures intraocular pressure
Ophthalmoscopy – Examines the optic nerve
Perimetry (Visual field test) – Checks for vision loss
Gonioscopy – Examines the eye’s drainage angle
Pachymetry – Measures corneal thickness
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) – Scans the optic nerve for damage

Treatment Options for Glaucoma

While glaucoma damage cannot be reversed, treatment can help slow or prevent further vision loss. Options include:

Eye drops – The most common first treatment to lower eye pressure
Oral medications – Sometimes used with eye drops
Laser therapy – Helps improve drainage or reduce fluid production
Surgery – Creates a new drainage pathway or implants a drainage device

Can Glaucoma Be Prevented?

There’s no guaranteed way to prevent glaucoma, but early detection and management are key. Preventive steps include:

Regular comprehensive eye exams (especially if you’re over 40 or at high risk)
Managing health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure
Protecting your eyes from injury
Using eye medications as prescribed

Who Is at Risk for Glaucoma?

Certain people have a higher risk of developing glaucoma:

People over age 60
Those with a family history of glaucoma
People with diabetes or high blood pressure
African Americans (especially for open-angle glaucoma)
Asians and Inuit populations (higher risk for angle-closure glaucoma)
People with nearsightedness (myopia)

Complications of Glaucoma

If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to:

Irreversible vision loss
Total blindness
Reduced quality of life
Difficulty with daily activities like driving or reading

Living with Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a lifelong condition, but many people manage it successfully. Living with glaucoma involves:

Taking prescribed eye drops consistently
Attending regular follow-up appointments
Monitoring for changes in vision
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle to support eye health
Using visual aids if vision loss occurs

When to See a Doctor

You should consult an eye doctor if you:

Notice sudden vision changes
Experience eye pain or redness
See halos around lights
Have a family history of glaucoma and haven’t had a recent eye exam